So, you just got a divorce, and you're ready to get back out into the world again. Congratulations! Did you change your name as part of the final decree? If you did, then you've still got plenty of work to do, and a lot of it you have to do yourself.

Start with a plan. Many government agencies and some companies are going to require an original or a properly-signed certified copy of your divorce decree or court order, so you'll want to do a little homework before you start running around to get a general idea of how many certified copies you're going to need from the courthouse. If you got a few properly certified copies when the final order was entered, that's probably enough to get you started. You can always go back for more.

A word about mail or personal delivery. If you're applying to a government agency to change your name by mail, make sure to use a traceable delivery method, such as USPS Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation, USPS Priority Mail with Signature Confirmation or USPS Express Mail (for overnight delivery requests). Certified mail is also a traceable but may take longer. Other delivery services may work as well if they can delivery to a P.O. Box or if the agency has a street address.

Now you're ready to work your plan.

But wait -- one last thing before you get started. Remember to be patient when you're making these changes. Every governmental entity and every company has its own processes, and you are going to need patience to be able to fill out their forms and sit in their lines. None of this is fun, but you will feel better each time you make a successful change. You may want to call ahead to each place to see if they will make an appointment for you so that you don't have to wait in line and can make sure you're dealing with the right person.

So now, your first step? The big three.

Start with your driver's license. You'll need that to replace your social security card, and it will help you with a lot of the other changes as well. You may also be able to change your voter registration at the driver's license office, too.

Your next step? Social security. You can apply for a new card in person at your local social security office or can apply by mail.

Step three? A new passport, which would then give you two forms of picture ID and a new social security card. You can do this by mail, and the Bureau of Consular Affairs offers expedited service for an additional fee. Again, if you're applying by mail, which is Bureau's preferred way of doing things, make sure to use a traceable delivery method.

After that, you should work through a good, thorough checklist that includes all aspects of you business and personal life, including your children's lives, too. These that run the range from the very basic -- such as notifying the post office -- to the more complex -- such as meeting with your estate planning advisors to review your wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other legal documents.

The checklist below is meant to be a thought-provoking guideline. After the first three, they are in no particular order. You should consider putting them in whatever order makes the most sense for you in your particular location. Also, it's always a good idea to check with your attorney to see if she or he has any additional suggestions. Good luck!

Name Change Notification Checklist

1. Get a new driver's license or state identification card. You may be able to change your voter registration at the same time.

2. Get a new Social Security Card. You can accomplish this with Form SS-5. You can do this by mail or in person at your local Social Security office. You will need an original or certified copy of the divorce decree and the other documents listed in the application. If you are on Medicare, you can also make changes under the Medicare program at the local Social Security field office as well or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

3. Get a new passport. You can usually accomplish this by mail with either Form DS-5504 or DS-82, depending on how old your passport is at the time you apply for a new one. See the name change section at the U.S. Department of State website.

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